Schedule interviews before or after work, or during lunch. If that's not possible, use vacation time, McIntyre suggests. You wouldn't want the reference from your old employer to say, "Well, he kind of lost interest there at the end …."

In fact, the best way to quit is to rally at the end. Do even more at your current job and do it better. That will impress the interviewer and make for a solid reference from your current employer for years to come.

Imagine your old bosses saying, "Yeah, we really took a hit when that guy left …," instead of, "Good riddance. He didn't do much here anyway!"

Consider this: You land a job at a competitor and tell your bosses exactly what you think of them. Next thing you know, the two companies merge and you're now eye to eye with the guy you just insulted. Whose name do you think will be at the top of the list for the next round of layoffs?

Don't talk trash on an interview or at your new job.

As with dating, it's tempting to be dismissive of the person you just left. Bite your tongue. You don't know these people yet and you never know when someone knows or is married to someone at your old company. Plus, you don't want your new coworkers to think you're indiscreet or a generally negative type.

"It's been said that you can judge the true character of a person by the way they leave a job. Even if you are deliriously happy to get out of there, leave your work in good shape for the next person and bid everyone farewell in a pleasant, friendly manner," McIntyre says.

Quick recap: Zip it. Do your homework. And as much fun as it is to rant, keep any stories you tell about your old office positive.